A fresh initiative in Sharjah is designed to encourage more young people to engage in reading. The 'Read You Are in Sharjah' campaign integrates reading areas into the emirate's iconic landmarks, aiming to promote daily reading among children and teenagers. This program was initiated by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), and will be executed by Menassah Distribution Company.
Inspired by Sharjah's well-known slogan, 'Smile You Are In Sharjah,' the campaign highlights the emirate's passion for books and knowledge. Sheikha Bodour emphasized that it is the duty of Sharjah's cultural institutions to inspire and connect with the youth through initiatives that resonate with them and foster their love for knowledge. Recognized as the cultural capital of the Arab World by UNESCO in 1998, Sharjah has cemented its status as a hub for cultural events, hosting the Sharjah Book Fair since 1982, one of the largest in the world.
This initiative aligns with Sharjah's cultural goals and demonstrates a commitment to nurturing cultural creativity within the Arabic language, according to Sheikha Bodour. Rashid Al-Kous, General Manager of Menassah Distribution Company, commended Sheikha Bodour's relentless efforts to make books accessible to everyone and expressed the company's dedication to fostering an 'intellectual renaissance' in Sharjah.
Through this campaign, the company aims to provide high-quality Emirati and Arab cultural content to promote reading in Arabic, enhancing the intellectual renaissance in Sharjah and enriching its cultural landscape. Menassah Distribution Company plans a comprehensive promotional campaign targeting the local community in Sharjah, with a special focus on engaging the youth, aiming to build a community of enthusiastic readers and strengthen cultural connections among people.